Expressing its strong disapproval towards the trend of footwear attacks targeting politicians during the electioneering, the Election Commission on Tuesday called for a halt to the "phenomenon".

Expressing its strong disapproval towards the trend of footwear attacks targeting politicians during the electioneering, the Election Commission on Tuesday called for a halt to the "phenomenon".

"It's a very unfortunate development", Election Commissioner S Y Quereshi said here in response to questions at a press conference, adding, "the way it is spreading, it's a matter of concern for all of us".

EC's comments came on a day when Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa became the latest target in an election meeting, where a man hurled a 'chappal' at him but it missed the target.

Quereshi, however, surprisingly added that "This phenomenon is here to stay", but added that something should be done to stop it from "escalating" (the trend).

He flatly rejected criticism by senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who had reportedly blamed the EC for low voter turnout.

Quereshi, here to review the poll preparedness in the state which goes to third phase of polls on April 30, said before finalising the poll schedule, all the political parties had been consulted.

"EC is used to criticism from all quarters and it takes them into its stride," he said.

Conducting general elections in the country was "complex", he said and termed it a "miracle". It (Indian elections) is the single largest management exercise of any kind in the world, he added.